About Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Programme

Job Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the key management and leadership position for AREDP for the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Government of Afghanistan, the World Bank, bi-lateral donors, and other key stakeholders for the development and the implementation of AREDP. The duties of the ED shall include: a). management and leadership for the strategic planning and implementation of the program; b). reporting to the Steering Board and the MRRD senior leadership; c). management and leadership of AREDP senior management; d) ensuring the accountability and transparency of AREDP operations; e) ensuring coordination of AREDP activities and operation with other GoA and Donors’ economic development activities and initiatives; f) regular liaising with the program’s current and future donors and supporters g) initiating and leading development of projects and sub-projects under the program and h) play the role of the primary representative and advocate for the program with all external parties i) actively contribute in resources mobilization and manages the effective utilization of the existence and mobilized resources; j) develop the teams to ensure successful delivery of program out puts/out-comes.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Executive Director (ED) shall be responsible to the MRRD leadership in order to fully and successfully implement the objectives of AREDP and work to fulfil the requirements of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy. This will require visionary leadership and management of the implementation of the program and staff of AREDP on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan.
These duties will be included but not limited to:
ï‚· Play active role in leading the strategic planning and management of the AREDP including the regular periodic review of the mission and vision statements of the program;
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Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
ï‚· Lead the development of a 5 years strategic plan of AREDP followed by an annual performance agreement, as agreed with the AREDP Steering Board;
ï‚· Establish close linkages and relationships with key stakeholders of AREDP, (donors, organizations, Government departments and counter parts) to ensure that the work of the AREDP is properly understood and advocated;
ï‚· Prepare and ensure the accuracy and timely submission of the reports as mandated by the AREDP Steering Committee; the MRRD high officials such as the Minister, Deputy Minister for Programs; the World Bank; bi-lateral donors; and the MoF;
ï‚· Provide guidance and advices to the AREDP Steering Board and the MRRD senior leadership on the issues of ARED program management, progress and status;
ï‚· Lead the development of the rural enterprise policy environment for the program in the context of Afghanistan and its implementation through the advocacy mechanisms provided by the AREDP Office of Enabling Environment and the Afghanistan Enterprise Development Council;
ï‚· Develop and establish a strategic approach which measures overall programme impacts, including establishing performance monitoring indicators and measurement systems in conjunction with the various thematic personnel.
ï‚· Identify gaps in policies and operational procedures as well as bottlenecks that hinder project implementation and achievement of programme goals and recommended appropriate solutions.
ï‚· Present AREDP at a National and International level on behalf of MRRD;
ï‚· Lead the development of policy to ensure the effective and efficient running of the Program and oversee the preparation and implementation (institutionalization) of policy manuals for: Program management, Operations; Training; Financial Management; Human Resources; Procurement; and Administration;
ï‚· Ensure the compliance of AREDP operations and program management with the laws and regulations of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan;
ï‚· Ensure the financial probity of all AREDP operations including the approval of eligible expenses according to GoA, World Bank and all bi-lateral donor requirements;
ï‚· Provide leadership to develop, set and advocate the organisational climate/culture and the work ethic of the AREDP;
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
ï‚· Develop and maintain program information and management system that is responsive to the needs of the organization at multiple levels.
ï‚· Supervise, mentor, and provide professional guidance to AREDP management staff at the central level at AREDP headquarters and the regional level for provincial field offices;
ï‚· Undertake any other duties related to the job as directed by the MRRD senior leadership and AREDP Steering Committee.
D.KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
1. Knowledge/Experience
ï‚· Experience in the development, conceptualization, management and leadership of the implementation of development programs, where experience in rural enterprise development in Afghanistan is highly desirable;
ï‚· Minimum of 7 to 14 years of working experience in developing countries preferably Afghanistan with International and some with National organizations in areas of program management and projects;
ï‚· Academic knowledge in the field of post-conflict development, particularly in economic development or development studies;
ï‚· Experience in the management of the program development initiatives and design from inception to implementation;
ï‚· Knowledge of management systems including: Operations; Finance; Human Resources; Procurement; Contracting and Administration within a GoA context and within a project based environment;
ï‚· Proven experience of resources mobilization and effective management of program resources;
ï‚· Knowledge of GoA, World Bank and bi-lateral donor systems and requirements.
ï‚· Knowledge of private sector development, enterprise promotion and rural financing is an advantage.

Job Requirements

Advanced university degree in field of economics, development studies or program management;
ï‚· Highly developed management and organizational leadership skills for development and implementation of development programs where experience in Afghanistan is highly desirable;
ï‚· Strong strategic planning and development skills and a demonstrated ability express a vision and work towards materializing it;
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
ï‚· Excellent communication skills, both written and oral and a demonstrated ability to advocate and speak for the program;
ï‚· Well developed computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the Internet.
ï‚· Written and spoken fluency in Dari and Pashto, as well as in English is must;
ï‚· Demonstrated interpersonal, representation and negotiation skills including diplomacy and tact.
3. Abilities
ï‚· Ability to work in a high pressure environment;
ï‚· Ability to multi-task and work under pressure;
ï‚· Ability to work independently and also as an effective team member;
ï‚· Ability to manage a highly diverse staff of national and international professionals;
ï‚· Ability to use the recent technology for the management and success of AREDP;
ï‚· Must be willing to travel throughout Afghanistan;
ï‚· Professionalism in appearance and demeanour; and
ï‚· Willingness to enhance knowledge through training and personal initiative.
ï‚· Ability to lead and Manage large development program.
E. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to the Deputy Minister for Programs, MRRD leadership such as Minister, and is accountable to the AREDP Steering Committee.
6.0 Period of Assignment:
The assignment is for 5 years
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Submission Guideline

How to Apply
Interested nationals should submit their application comprises your CV and a one-page cover letter explaining your interest, suitability, experience, skills and abilities match to the requirements of the TOR for the post in writing (marked “Confidential”), clearly indicate the vacancy number on the envelope to:
Baseer Farahi
Human Resources Manager of AREDP, Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Programme, House # 1071,Saraye Ghazni, Near Music High School, Kabul, Afghanistan
But all applicants are also strongly encouraged to apply online to the below email address:
vacancies.aredp@mrrd.gov.af
Copy to: Baseer.farahi@mrrd.gov.af ;
Website: http://mrrd.gov.af/aredp
Please don’t forget to type the Vacancy Announcement Number (250/HR-AREDP) in Subject while applying online.
QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE HIGHLY ENCOURGAED TO APPLY

Functional Area

Human Resources

Countries

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